Bagpipers play at Olympic curling in homage to sport's Scottish heritage — but they're Italian

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Spectators trekking through heavy snow to the Cortina Olympic curling stadium were delighted to be greeted by a traditional Scottish bagpipe performance from a group of high sock-wearing, kilt-sporting, snare drum-carrying, glengarry-topped ... Italians. The Milan Cortina Winter Games have put their own spin on the tradition of having a pipe band play at Olympic curling medal ceremonies, an homage that is meant to honor the sport's Scottish heritage. For this Games, the bagpipers are from northeastern Italy, more than 2,000 miles (about 3,200 kilometers) from Scotland.

By JULIA FRANKEL